The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-20
THE RAILWAY COMMISSION.
Morrison. Cooley and Bragg Believed to Have
Been Chosen, but Nothing Certain Known.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, March l9-The latest informa-
ton obtainable tonight about the personnel OF
the Interstate-commerce Commission, which
has not yet been officially announced, and
probably will not be for several days, points
not with certainty to even a single name. 1t
is quite generally believed, although not known,
that the President has positively decided upon
two Of the commissioners. These two be-
lieved to be ex-Congressmau Morrison, Demo
crat from Illinois, and Judge Cooley, Repub-
lican from Michigan. The contest-for there
has been a contest-between Southern men for
place the commission has narrowed
down to w. L. Bragg, Of Alabama. and
Commissioner of Indian Affairs Atkins, Of Ten
nessee. with indications tonight very favorable
to Mr.. Bragg Thus three Of the FIVE positions
would seem to be out of the reach of specula-
ton and provided for, with three Of four aspir
ants, leaving two more-one for a Democrat and
one for Repubican-yet TO be determined
| upon. For these places it is believed tonight.
the President favors John D. Herman, Of New
York, Democrat, and exCongressman Grape,
of Massachusetts, Repubcan-the latter as a
substitute for Ex-Governor Robinson, who de-
clined to accept a position on the commission.
Ex-Attorney general Devens and W. e. Kinsley,
| of Massachusetts, are also mentioned as favor
| able Eastern Republican members of the com
mission. in the event of Mr.. Grapes declining to
serve
| 1t is stated positively that Judge Cooley has
| decided to accept temporary appointment on
| the board At first he firmly declined to allow
| his name to be considered in connection with the
place. but the President is reported to have re-
newed the attack and to have finally secured the
consent of the Judge to act as president of the
| commission until it gets into working order.
| 1t is said that a Massachusetts man who is to
have an interview with the President is ex- Gov
ernor Long. who came on fer consultation re-
| gardine the interstate commission.
| Ex-senator Thurman Will Not Take Office.
| Special to the indianapolis Journaz.
| WASHINGTON. March lot is reported. upon re
liable authority that the visit of ex-senator Thurman
to the White House related solely to the Pacific rail
roads investigation. In view of his knowledge of the
subject. and his experience and ability
| lawyer, the President wanted to confer
| with him in regard to the investigation
provided for by Congress at the recent session. 1t
said that the President would be glad to have Judge
Thurman undertake the direction of the investiga
| ton, chairman of the commission but the ex
| Senator is not inclined to assume such arduous
| duty. He said to an intimate friend that
| he meant every word he uttered wher
he announced that he had finally retired
from public life: that he was an old and he felt
that he had performed his share of public service H
added that he still took pleasure and pride in the
practice CT his profession and that he would continue
to practice it long he has the strength but thai
he does not care to engage in any work outside
of legal practice. It is not believed the ex-senator
would consent to take active part in the nvesti
CATION A friend of the Senator said that he did no
believe Mr.. Thurman would accept any public posi-
tion that if the secretaryship of the Treasury
were offered him, he would decline it in pursuance o.
his determination to remain in private life.